Method and apparatus for preventing reuse of text, images and software transmitted via networks

Abstract

A method for providing textual information in a network environment, the method comprising: receiving a request via a network for text-editable textual information; converting the text-editable textual information into a non-text-editable textual format on line upon receiving the request; and sending the non-text-editable textual information via the network. Network-based systems are also disclosed.

1. A method for limiting the operational life of software in a network environment, the method comprising:
 transmitting a program applet with a password embedded therein from a server computer to a client computer, via a network, the password having a limited operational life, and the program applet including executable code that runs on the client computer; 
 receiving by the server computer, from said program applet running on the client computer, via said network, (i) a request for information stored in a restricted access storage area of the server computer, and (ii) said embedded password; 
 authenticating said embedded password by the server computer, whenever said receiving occurs; 
 thereafter transmitting said information from the server computer, to said program applet running on the client computer, via said network, while said embedded password is valid; and 
 invalidating said embedded password by the server computer, coincident with an invalidation event. 
 
     
     
       2. A method according to  claim 1  wherein said invalidating comprises invalidating said embedded password at a predetermined time. 
     
     
       3. A method according to  claim 1  wherein said invalidating comprises invalidating said embedded password after lapse of a predetermined time from when said request was received. 
     
     
       4. A method according to  claim 1  wherein said invalidating comprises invalidating said embedded password upon the detection of a loss of communication with said client. 
     
     
       5. A method according to  claim 1  wherein said transmitting a program applet comprises generating said embedded password. 
     
     
       6. A network-based software authentication system comprising a server computer, the server computer comprising:
 a password generator; 
 password validation apparatus; 
 a restricted-access storage area; 
 a program applet including executable code that runs on a client computer; and 
 invalidation apparatus; 
 
       wherein said server computer is operative to:
 a) cause said password generator to generate a password, the password having a limited operational life; 
 b) embed said password within said program applet, and transmit said program applet with said password embedded therein to the client computer via a network; 
 c) receive from said program applet running on the client computer, (i) a request for information, and (ii) said embedded password for authentication; 
 d) authenticate said embedded password using said password validation apparatus, whenever information requested is stored in the restricted-access storage area; 
 e) transmit said information to said program applet running on the client computer, via said network, while said embedded password is valid; and 
 f) invalidate said embedded password using said invalidation apparatus coincident with an invalidation event. 
 
     
     
       7. A system according to  claim 6  wherein said invalidation event comprises the arrival of a predetermined time. 
     
     
       8. A system according to  claim 6  wherein said invalidation event comprises the lapsing of a predetermined time from when said request was received. 
     
     
       9. A system according to  claim 6  wherein said invalidation event comprises the detection of a loss of communication with said client.